Introducing…CNBB

Vintage, innovative, collectable and affordable sportswear available on the Isle of Man, is this a dream?

Like many of you readers, I am a sports and retro clothing fanatic and you can only imagine my sheer delight when I was informed that there is a business on the Island specialising in this very thing!

Introducing CNBB

CNBB have been an online company for 10 years and this year they have now opened a shop in Douglas for the first time.

When entering the shop, I was blown away by over 50 retro jackets and numerous classic football shirts on display with brands and teams from around the globe.

I eventually left with a mint condition 1997 Juventus home shirt for just £25! Since my visit, I have been talking to the owner Christian Cellamare about what inspired him to create CNBB…

“Having been a collector of vintage football shirts and sportswear for many years, I realised it’s something that doesn’t go out of fashion.

You regularly see designs coming full circle and often used in current models, but the quality is just not there. The look and feel of some of the older examples from previous decades is amazing and built to last.”

“Another contributing factor was the availability of the unit we are in now and it just seemed perfect for what we wanted. The natural progression for the company was to look at a physical presence here on the Island.”

“We want to be known for offering something different yet affordable. Just because an item may be rare or collectable doesn’t justify charging the earth for it.”

With the unique mix of retro sports jackets and classic football shirts catering for men, women and children there is a fantastic sense of individuality and quality about CNBB.

Christian said it is not uncommon for CNBB to be Skyping or Facetiming oversea suppliers at 1 or 2am to make sure they can get the latest in high quality limited edition sportwear.

“We offer something completely different in the local marketplace and are fortunate to be able to hand pick absolutely everything, priding ourselves on individuality.”

“Customers will regularly tell us they tried everywhere to find a particular item without any luck, or have maybe missed out on an online auction and then find what they are looking for with us – this is another extremely satisfying element of the business for us.”

Christian pointed out that although they don’t specialise in football related stock it has been by far their biggest seller and now CNBB is full of vintage Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and International Shirts.

There are also some random rarities amongst the mix with a 1993 Chelsea warm-up jacket, a Beijing 2008 Olympic Tracksuit and over 40 different Adidas Originals jackets coming from far and wide places such as Puerto Rico.

When asked what is the rarest or most valuable item in the CNBB collection, Christian answered:

“I’d say our 1994 Nike Italy Tracksuit Jacket – this was worn by the staff of the National squad in this era and is amazing condition it’s pretty much as new. We’ve not seen another one anywhere yet for sale!”

The shop is located on Church Street in Douglas and is open from 10am till 4pm on Saturdays only. However, you can purchase direct from the CNBB website, and they provide FREE Island delivery or you can collect the items in store.

Christian also confirmed that in the lead up to Christmas they will be open Thursday nights and will be selling gift vouchers alongside their upcoming Christmas sale.

If anyone is looking for something in particular then you can email CNBB at [email protected] or send them a message on the CNBB Facebook page where they will be happy to help.

I advise that you all check out this great growing local business and help make CNBB a continued success!